30.9 Abbreviated vs. Full Financial Statements
Overview​
Luxembourg allows companies to prepare either abbreviated (simplified) or full financial statements depending on company size. Smaller companies can benefit from simplified reporting requirements, while larger companies must prepare full statements. Understanding the differences and when each is required is essential for compliance.
Company Size Classifications​
Small Companies​
Small Company Criteria (must meet at least two of the following for two consecutive years):
- Balance Sheet Total: ≤ €4,400,000
- Net Turnover: ≤ €8,800,000
- Average Number of Employees: ≤ 50
Small companies may prepare abbreviated financial statements.
Medium Companies​
Medium Company Criteria (must meet at least two of the following for two consecutive years):
- Balance Sheet Total: ≤ €17,500,000
- Net Turnover: ≤ €35,000,000
- Average Number of Employees: ≤ 250
Medium companies must prepare full financial statements.
Large Companies​
Large Company Criteria (exceeds at least two of the following for two consecutive years):
- Balance Sheet Total: > €17,500,000
- Net Turnover: > €35,000,000
- Average Number of Employees: > 250
Large companies must prepare full financial statements with additional requirements.
Abbreviated Financial Statements​
Eligibility​
Small companies may prepare abbreviated statements if they:
- Meet small company criteria
- Are not required to prepare full statements
- Choose to use abbreviated format
Content Requirements​
Abbreviated Balance Sheet:
- Simplified format
- Fewer line items
- Aggregated items allowed
- Less detail required
Abbreviated Income Statement:
- Simplified format
- Fewer line items
- Aggregated items allowed
- Less detail required
Abbreviated Notes:
- Reduced disclosure requirements
- Essential information only
- Less detailed explanations
Advantages​
Benefits of Abbreviated Statements:
- Less preparation time
- Lower costs
- Simpler format
- Reduced disclosure
Full Financial Statements​
Content Requirements​
Full Balance Sheet:
- Complete format
- All required line items
- Detailed breakdowns
- Comprehensive presentation
Full Income Statement:
- Complete format
- All required line items
- Detailed breakdowns
- Comprehensive presentation
Full Notes:
- Comprehensive disclosures
- Detailed explanations
- Additional information
- Full transparency
Additional Requirements for Large Companies​
Large Companies Must Also Include:
- Management report
- Statement of cash flows (if applicable)
- Statement of changes in equity (if applicable)
- Additional disclosures
- More detailed notes
Comparison​
Key Differences​
| Aspect | Abbreviated | Full |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Simplified | Complete |
| Line Items | Fewer, aggregated | All required items |
| Notes | Essential only | Comprehensive |
| Disclosure | Reduced | Full |
| Preparation Time | Less | More |
| Costs | Lower | Higher |
| Transparency | Basic | Complete |
Choosing Between Formats​
Small Company Decision​
Small companies can choose:
- Abbreviated: Simpler, less costly
- Full: More transparent, may be preferred by stakeholders
Considerations:
- Stakeholder needs
- Cost considerations
- Future growth plans
- Industry requirements
Medium and Large Companies​
Medium and large companies:
- Must prepare full statements
- No choice in format
- Must meet all requirements
Luxembourg Compliance Note​
Important Requirements:
- Size classification: Determine company size correctly
- Format selection: Choose appropriate format (if choice available)
- Content requirements: Meet all requirements for chosen format
- Consistency: Use same format consistently (unless size changes)
- Compliance: Ensure statements meet all legal requirements
Common Issues:
- Size misclassification: Incorrectly determining company size
- Format errors: Not following required format
- Incomplete statements: Missing required information
- Inconsistency: Changing format without justification
- Disclosure errors: Not providing required disclosures
Think It Through​
Artisan Boulangerie is a small company (balance sheet €3,000,000, turnover €6,000,000, 40 employees). They can prepare abbreviated statements. What are the advantages and disadvantages? Should they choose abbreviated or full statements?
Concepts in Practice​
Format Selection Example
TechLux Solutions (SA):
Size: Balance sheet €6,000,000, turnover €10,000,000, 60 employees
Classification: Medium company (exceeds small company thresholds)
Requirement: Must prepare full financial statements
Content:
- Full balance sheet (all line items)
- Full income statement (all line items)
- Comprehensive notes
- Management report (required for SA)
- Additional disclosures as required
Result: Full statements prepared, meeting all requirements for medium company.
Comparison: If they were small company, they could choose abbreviated, but as medium company, full statements are mandatory.